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To Build

Photo : Appartement-101 (Rowdy)

May 18–22

To Build

Step into a powerful performance that explores the hidden historical ties between Parisian suburbs and post-colonial architecture. It is an investigative journey through memory and housing, perfect for anyone who wants to understand the narratives embedded in the very walls we inhabit.

Théâtre Public de Montreuil

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About

The Théâtre Public de Montreuil hosts Bâtir, a performance by Salim Djaferi that examines the colonial legacy embedded in modern housing policies. By comparing the large housing estates of Seine-Saint-Denis with those constructed in French Algeria during the 1950s, the artist weaves together archival documents and personal testimonies. This documentary-style production offers a deep dive into the architectural history that shapes our daily living environments. Designed for audiences aged 14 and over, the show runs from May 18 to May 22, 2027, with ticket prices ranging from 9 to 27 euros.

Extending the work begun with Koulounisation, presented at the TPM in 2023, Salim Djaferi continues a writing style that blends documentary theater, performance, and collective memory. With his new show, he attempts to reveal the invisible traces of colonial heritage in housing policies.

His starting point: the large housing estates of Seine-Saint-Denis, where he grew up, resemble the housing projects built in French Algeria in the 1950s. Seeking to understand what these architectural similarities are due to, he conducts an investigation with relatives, residents, and researchers, crossing intimate narratives, testimonies, and archival documents to unveil what shapes our cities and our ways of living in them.

Our take on this event

Building on his previous work Koulounisation, which was staged at the Théâtre Public de Montreuil in 2023, Salim Djaferi returns with Bâtir. This new production blends documentary theatre and performance art to uncover the invisible connections between colonial history and current urban housing strategies.

Driven by the observation that the housing blocks where he grew up in Seine-Saint-Denis mirror those built in French Algeria in the 1950s, Djaferi conducted extensive research. Through interviews with residents, researchers, and family members, combined with historical records, he explores how these architectural parallels influence our perception and occupation of urban spaces.

The performances are scheduled from Tuesday, May 18, 2027, to Saturday, May 22, 2027, at the Théâtre Public de Montreuil. You can attend the show from Tuesday to Friday between 20:00 and 21:30, or on Saturday from 18:00 to 19:30. Tickets are available at prices between 9 and 27 euros. Please note that this performance is recommended for visitors aged 14 and older.

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